TOKYO: Nepalis in Japan have announced the formation of the Association of Nepali Origin (ANO) Japan National Committee, aiming to strengthen unity and cooperation among people of Nepali origin.

The Japan committee has been formed under the leadership of social activist and litterateur Rabin Sharma, who was elected president. The committee stated that its objective is to connect people of Nepali origin with Nepal by enhancing intellectual, economic, social, and cultural engagement, while preserving Nepali identity.

Inaugurating the conference, Chudamani Bhattarai, Secretary General of ANO’s International Committee, said that identity remains inherently linked to one’s ancestral homeland, regardless of distance or place of birth. He emphasized the need for a common platform to strengthen emotional and cultural ties with Nepal.

The conference was chaired by senior artist Ram Krishna Bam Malla. A resolution adopted by the gathering stated that Nepalis share a common national identity rooted in their language, culture, traditions, and arts, which have evolved over centuries. The resolution further noted that identity provides a sense of existence and belonging for communities worldwide.

The global initiative was launched under the leadership of US-based social worker Dilli Adhikari. Reflecting on historical circumstances that led Nepali ancestors to migrate abroad, the Japan conference reaffirmed its commitment to preserving and promoting Nepali language, culture, customs, and identity across generations, wherever Nepalis reside.

The newly formed committee includes Surya Khadka as Vice President, Uday Lama as General Secretary, Kamana Bhandari as Secretary, Madhu Kshetri as Treasurer, and KP Oli as Spokesperson. Committee members include Mahendra Nyaupane, Pratham Gurung, Ritu Thapa, Samudra Raj Paudel, Sushant Bhattarai, Sagar Thapa, Koshika Limbu, Jack Khadka, Gokarna Adhikari, Prem Balampaki, and Deepak Kandel.

The assembly also expressed hope that Nepal would effectively utilize the expertise and skills of people of Nepali origin for national development. A proposal was passed calling on the Government of Nepal to formulate policies that strengthen engagement with the Nepali diaspora.

Goodwill messages were delivered by Subas Lamichhane, President of NRNA Japan; litterateur Prakash Paudel; and Shri Gurung, President of the Janajati Federation.

The conference also featured cultural performances by Pratham Gurung, winner of My Voice Universe Season 2; singer Simon; and Trashmi Garbuja Magar, a Japan participant of My Dance Universe.